Police target Brighton and Hove cyclists riding without lights

Cyclists who ride in the dark with no lights face being fined £50 from Monday (28 October) in a crackdown by Sussex Police.

The force said: “Cyclists spotted using their bikes without lights could be stopped and fined in a road safety crackdown.

“From Monday officers will be on the streets of Brighton and Hove from when it begins to go dark looking for anyone cycling dangerously.

“People seen cycling in the dark or in gloomy conditions without lights will be stopped, told that they are breaking the law and issued with a cycling warning notice.

“If officers are particularly concerned by a cyclist’s behaviour they will issue them with a fine for £50 for failing to use their lights.

“However, anyone issued with a fine for not having lights in the week-long campaign will have it cancelled if they prove within seven days that they have subsequently had lights fitted to their bike.

“The campaign is aimed at educating riders about how they can make the streets safer for themselves and other road users.

“Many young people and students do not have lights on their bikes and believe the street lights in the city centres are bright enough for them to not need the equipment, despite the law saying they must have it.”

Inspector Gareth Davies said: “We don’t want to criminalise people. We just want them to cycle safely.

“Our message is all about seeing and being seen.

“Using lights on your bike makes it easier for drivers and pedestrians to see you and for you to see your surroundings, meaning the roads are safer for everyone.”